Angeles City Residents Demand Action on Flyover Delays and Toll Issues
Residents and motorists in Angeles City are voicing mounting frustration over a series of infrastructure and transportation problems that have plagued the area. The central concern revolves around a flyover project on MacArthur Highway, which has seen construction begin without a clear completion date, leaving commuters in limbo.
Stalled Flyover and Funding Questions
The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) faces sharp criticism for not releasing funds or providing updates on the flyover's progress. Locals question why the proponent has failed to follow up, turning the situation into what many describe as a laughingstock among foreigners. The lack of transparency has fueled public anger, with calls for immediate action to resolve the delays.
Toll Fee Hikes and Poor Service
Adding to the woes, the Toll Regulatory Board has allowed another toll fee increase by MVP on the North Luzon Expressway (NLEX), despite ongoing complaints about subpar service. Motorists argue that this enriches the operator at their expense, without corresponding improvements in road safety or travel ease. The collected tolls, they say, should be used to repair badly maintained roads, but this has not materialized.
RFID and Traffic Management Failures
RFID systems at toll gates have become a source of nerve-wracking experiences, with frequent traffic buildups causing bumper-to-bumper situations. Motorists report that NLEX lacks a quick response team to address these issues promptly, exacerbating congestion. This has led to demands for better management and accountability from toll authorities.
Traffic Lights and Park Redevelopment Concerns
Further issues include poorly calibrated traffic lights on highways, which residents believe were installed without proper study of sequences, especially at intersections. Meanwhile, the Clark Development Corporation is under scrutiny for the prolonged redevelopment of Bayanihan Park. Originally intended for family leisure, the park has been repurposed for jeepney use, with completion delays stretching for months. Questions arise about whether contractors face penalties for slippage and the reasons behind ongoing board revamps at Clark Development Corporation and Clark International Airport Corporation.
Calls for Road Expansion and Investigation
Local sanggunians in towns like Porac, Bacolor, San Fernando, and Minalin are urged to pass resolutions requesting the DPWH to expand the megadike road into four lanes. Additionally, concerns have been raised about passway fees collected from over 2,000 daily sand and gravel trucks from Porac quarries, prompting calls for the National Bureau of Investigation to step in and investigate potential irregularities.
Overall, the community's message is clear: they will not stop highlighting these issues until tangible improvements are made, holding authorities accountable for the infrastructure and service failures that affect daily life in Angeles City.
